[MRCA] ZB-2 control box and Antenna control box questions

[Jack Antonio]

Couple of other things I wanted to add about the ZB

First, the AN/ARR-2 was an all-in-one system that combined the ZB and 
the external
receiver in one box, with a dedicated control head. And was compatible 
with AN/ARC-5
mounting racks. But the principles of operation were the same.

Second.  Although  the USAAF did use and implement the ZB system on some 
of its aircraft, the
USAAF developed its own homng system to support the long range fighter 
escort missions
for the B-29 raids in the Pacific.  This was the AN/ARA-8 system. And 
can be identified
by two vertical antennas  side by side on the dorsal spine of the 
aircraft.  In this
installation, the complexity was in the aircraft, and it only required a 
constant carrier
from the transmitter at the destination as a signal source. Sometimes 
referred to as
the "UncleDog" system, due to its use of the two Morse letters U and D. 
If the pilot
heard a D, he turned left. If a U, turned right. On course gave a steady 
tone.

Lastly. Fighters in the CBI did have direction finding systems 
installed, I have seen
pictures of China based P-51s with what looks like a Bendix MN-20 (or 
equivalent)
loop installed, and even one picture of a P-43 with what looks like an 
LP-21 on its
belly.

Jack Antonio
WA7DIA